Karisma Records have inked a deal with Swedish Prog Rockers AGUSA that will see the label re-release the band’s first five studio albums.
AGUSA has been at the forefront of the Swedish Psychedelic Prog scene since the band’s formation in 2013. Based in Malmö, Sweden, AGUSA’s lineup of Simon Ström on bass, Nicolas Difonis on drums, Mikael Ödesjö on guitar, Roman Andrén on keys, and Jenny Puertas on Flute, have appeared live internationally both on the club circuit as well as at a variety of Prog festivals.
They have, over the years, garnered a reputation for their ability to perform meditative soft parts, combined with epic interludes and the occasional trip to a rock hard darkness, all of which provide audiences with an unforgettable live experience.
AGUSA’s sound is one that effortlessly ranges from majestic beauty to violent outbursts. It blends tripped-out psychedelic and progressive rock structures aimed at instilling visions of nature and the cosmos. Whilst dreamlike passages meander into realms of a possibly supernatural or parallel existence. This is instrumental music where the instruments, and the people playing them, communicate directly with the hearts and minds of the listener.
Drawing on influences from Nordic and Latin American folk music, AGUSA’s roots run deep into the ambits of space rock, kraut rock and jazz. Combine these varied aspects with the band’s traditional foundation, and you get a group of musicians who interpret things their own way, and, whilst AGUSA’s music takes you back to the 70s, it is, at the same time, something new and unexplored. It is the sound of a band that has forged a strong musical identity for itself. One that is unmistakably its own.
The five albums that will be released on Karisma Records are HÖGTID (2014), TVÅ (2015), AGUSA (2017), EN ANNAN VÄRLD (2021) and PRIMA MATERIA (2023). More details to follow.
Of their upcoming collaboration with Karisma Records, AGUSA had this to say:
Karisma is the most interesting and ambitious record label for progressive rock music in Scandinavia right now. We are happy and proud to join their roster of talented artists and bands. Great things ahead. Hold on to your hats!
Step into the realm of epic storytelling and thunderous anthems with REN MARABOU AND THE BERSERKERS as they unleash the electrifying lyric video for “Holy Mountain (Helgafjell)” – a masterful fusion of metal might and mythic tales now storming the gates of YouTube!
This isn’t just another track; it’s a voyage into the heart of Norse legends, where the valor of fallen warriors echoes eternally. “Holy Mountain (Helgafjell)” stands as a monumental piece in the band’s eagerly awaited album, “Holy Mountain,” set to erupt from the Wormholedeath label. Prepare for an album that promises not just songs, but an odyssey of sonic grandeur and mythological splendor.
With “Holy Mountain (Helgafjell),” Ren Marabou and The Berserkers invite you to honor the legacy of a warrior whose spirit ascends the mythical Helgafjell, where heroes find their eternal rest. Through mesmerizing melodies and the roar of metal, the band crafts a realm where the ancient and the immortal blend, offering listeners a passage to a world where the echoes of the noble dead shape the songs of the living.
Watch the lyric video below.
Dare to journey with them as they chart a course through sorrow and reverence, with every chord and chorus forging the saga of those who walk the line between history and legend. This is not just music; it’s an expedition into the soul of mythology, powered by the fierce heart of metal. Join Ren Marabou and The Berserkers as they carve their names into the annals of time with “Holy Mountain (Helgafjell).” Witness the video that brings their audacious anthem to life and feel the pulse of age-old tales reborn!
“Helgafjell,” The Sacred Peak, isn’t just an album; it’s a tribute, a myth, a journey through time and legend. Every track in this album is a meticulously crafted masterpiece, drawing inspiration from the depths of Norse Mythology, with an unwavering commitment to historical accuracy and mythological authenticity. “Helgafjell” is a soul-stirring tribute to Ren’s Father, Micka, who passed away in September 2022. It delves into themes of Life, Death, and the Norse Mythology Afterlife. The track “Holy Mountain” is a powerful homage to Ren’s Dad, a true warrior with a lion’s heart, now residing in the glorious Norse Afterlife, ‘The Holy Mountain’ – a place of eternal bliss for the righteous.
Every aspect of the album, from its evocative artwork by the talented Terence McCann of Blackdog Graphic Design to the captivating photography of Kathleen Curran, has been woven together with precision and passion. Ren Marabou himself has masterfully orchestrated the recording, mixing, and mastering of all tracks at Skåld Studios, ensuring that each note resonates with the spirit of the Norse legends.
The album ‘Helgafjell’ features an epic tracklist that reads like a saga:
Just recently REN MARABOU AND THE BERSERKERS announced their Summer & Fall tour in Ireland, celebrating Their Latest Saga, the Album “Helgafjell”, Dropping March 29th via Wormholedeath Records – Witness the Legend Live!
The band stated: “Heathen Tribe, we are excited to announce our Irish tour to promote our upcoming album ‘Helgafjell (Holy Mountain)’. We will be joined on the tour with our Brothers in String Cut Puppets and Expedition. We are also delighted to have our good friends joining us at certain shows, @The Spudguns, Shock Sorrow, Rac’s Roll and Stanton’s Grave with more tba 🛡️⚔️ We can’t wait to hit the road and hang out with all our Heathen Tribe Brothers and Sisters, Skål 🪧⚡️”
June 8th – Sally Longs Galway June 14th – Pharmacia Limerick – in association with A.L.M Promotions July 13th – McHughs Venue, Drogheda September 14th – Fred Zeppelins, Cork October 12th – Smiddy’s/The Stables Venue, Mullingar November – tbc December 7th – Sandinos Bar/Club, Derry for Yuleblót Celebration.
Tickets, event pages and show details coming soon 🤘🏻🔥
REN MARABOU AND THE BERSERKERS are:
Ren Marabou (Vocals and Guitar)
Terence McCann (Drums)
Michael Casserly (Bass)
Hailing from the mystical landscapes of Co.Donegal, Ireland, REN MARABOU AND THE BERSERKERS are more than a band; they are a force of nature, blending the power of Viking Metal/Norse Pagan Rock with high-energy performances and anthemic melodies. With endorsements from Cassidy Guitars, Skull Strings, Iron Age Guitar Accessories, and Blackstar, and serving as Ambassadors for Ulster Mead Co., these warriors are unstoppable. Managed by the astute minds at Split Screen Management, the band has already made waves with their album ‘Tales Of Rune’ under United Music Mafia. And after touring across Scandinavia with the likes of VADER and HATE, they are now ready to conquer new realms with Wormholedeath. 2023 was just the beginning of their saga, as they recorded ‘Helgafjell’ and stormed stages across Ireland, sharing their powerful music and stories. And 2024? It’s going to be legendary, with RMATB embarking on a tour across the UK and Europe to celebrate the release of their new album. Keep your eyes on their social media for the upcoming dates!
If you’re a fan of mythology, electrifying Norse tales, and rock-metal powerhouses, then Marabou and The Berserkers are your ultimate musical calling! Dive into the world of Ren Marabou and The Berserkers – where every chord strikes like thunder, and each lyric tells a tale as old as the gods themselves. Get ready to be part of a thrilling, mythological adventure with a modern metal twist. This isn’t just music; it’s a legendary experience! Join the journey, feel the power, and let the saga of ‘Helgafjell’ resonate with your warrior spirit. The stage is set, the legends await – are you ready to join the ranks of the Berserkers?
Sweden’s HORNDAL has today announced they’ll be releasing their third album, titled Head Hammer Man, on April 5 via Prosthetic Records. Alongside the album announcement HORNDAL has shared the lead single and music video, Blacklisted, which premiered via Swedenrock Magazine. On the self-proclaimed rusty metal band’s latest full-length the band share the previously untold real life story of Alrik Andersson, a 1900s union leader from their eponymous hometown and his role in The Great Strike. The captivating tale of Andresson will also see a book written by HORNDAL to accompany the album – with further details to be revealed.
Speaking on the album announcement, HORNDAL comments: “This is by far our our most ambitious album, both musically and lyrically. We started with two questions: 1. Can you make a metal album with sounds inspired by 60’s jazz drummers? Apparently! 2. Can that album fit the untold story about when events in our rusted hometown almost started a civil war in Sweden? No, you have to write a book too. So we did.”
Of Blacklisted, the band adds: “When the violent Great Strike in 1909 was over, our unsung hero had managed to save his fellow workers jobs and livelihood. But not his own. He was blacklisted all over Sweden and was forced into exile. He fled over the Atlantic with his wife and young children. The music is as heavy and bleak as the lyrics. Even though there is a riff stolen from Sparks in there. You gotta love Sparks.”
Horndal, Sweden, 1909. The Great Strike rages across the entire country. Local union uprisings are crushed one by one. But a small group stands defiant – the ironworkers of Horndal. A group led by 27-year-old Alrik Andersson.
The steel company’s struggle against the striking workers had led to starvation, famine and mass evictions of families – and was on the brink of sparking a civil war. Workers from all over the country traveled in solidarity to Horndal to fight alongside the unionized, against the Swedish military, who had been sent there with bayonets drawn. To avoid starting a war, the Prime Minister eventually ordered the soldiers to lay down their weapons and the company executives to stop evicting the starving families.
Alrik fought tirelessly for his fellow workers’ jobs, and was successful – but this came at a price. The company executives ensured that Alrik was blacklisted throughout Sweden, so that he could not find employment anywhere in the country. He was forced into exile and fled across the Atlantic on an overloaded ship with his wife and two small children. He ended up in Chicago, where he found work at a steel mill and was given the title – Head Hammer Man. He worked there until his death in 1970, never mentioning his life in Sweden to anyone. No one in Sweden, or even in Horndal remembers him.
Head Hammer Man is a tribute to Alrik Andersson, a chance for his story to live on, over one hundred years after he took a stand for the people of Horndal. His tale is woven throughout the most ambitious, inspired and expansive compositions that Horndal have created to date. Not only inspired by this one remarkable man, the band have drawn influence from all corners of their record collections. From Pugh Rogefeldt to Autopsy, Wipers to Judas Priest, Hawkwind to Mercyful Fate, Don Cherry to Voivod. A riff borrowed from Sparks here, a solo borrowed from Jake E Lee there. Brass arrangements alongside layered harmony guitars. John Barry’s The Persuaders theme next to King Crimson and The Jesus Lizard. Black Sabbath and The Shadows, Slayer and Sonic Youth.
The album was recorded in various locations across Sweden, including at the legendary Atlantis Metronome studios – including Swedish icons ABBA, whose very own grand piano is featured on Head Hammer Man. The album was mixed by Simon Söderberg at Mayfire Studio, and mastered by Magnus Lindberg and Redmount Studios. Horndal invited their good friends to add to the album’s sonic landscape; Martin Hederos (The Soundtrack of Our Lives etc) plays organs and Moogs, whilst Henrik Palm (In Solitude, Ghost, Viagra Boys) contributed two hair raising guitar solos. The Head Hammer Man himself even makes a cameo with excerpts from a speech included in the title track. History may have forgotten him but Horndal never will.
Head Hammer Man tracklist: 1. Head Hammer Man 2. Calling Labor 3. Exiled 4. Fuck the Scabs 5. Famine 6. Blacklisted 7. The Shining Specter 8. Evictions 9. Orange Legacy 10. Creature Cages
One of the first-ever Christian hard rock/metal bands is the Illinois-based, WHITECROSS. The band started in the early ‘80s, touring steadily from 1988 to 1994 and averaging 150 performances per year. The Dove Awards recognized Whitecross three times: twice for Metal Album of the Year, and once for Hard Music Recorded Song of the Year. In the process, Whitecross helped forge the style now widely known as “white metal.”
Now the band – singer Dave Roberts, guitarist Rex Carroll, bassist Benny Ramos, and drummer Michael Feighan – is back with a brand new album. Produced by Rex Carroll, “Fear No Evil” arrives on March 22nd via Dark Star Records and can be pre-ordered here: https://www.integralmerchservices.com/whitecrosspre-order
“‘Fear No Evil’ is the first studio album that Rex has had total artistic control of from beginning to end, including the writing, recording, mixing, mastering, and release,” explains the album’s Executive Producer, Susan Smith. “Every previous album has at least one song that Rex would have done differently. Rex never relinquished the right to include a guitar solo and finds it a personal challenge to match the success of ‘Nagasake.’ This album has grown with the influence of Dave Roberts, and while keeping the original heavy rock and roll heart and soul of the first release, adds a nuanced nod to classic bands of the ‘60s and ‘70s.”
Concerning standout tunes from the album, all four members have their particular selections but seem to agree on the beautifully orchestrated power ballad “Wishing Well,” which invokes The Beatles and The Moody Blues. The acoustic ballad entitled “Blind Man” has a “Led Zeppelin feel,” according to Feighan, and of course, there are the expected rockin’ tunes in the Whitecross tradition. One of these is the album’s first video – the title track – debuted on a three-song demo of Rex and Dave getting a feel for the project. Feighan also adds a disclaimer: “This album is very diverse with songs that have a modern rock touch but still that Whitecross sound that fans know and love.”
And with the band about to hit the road in support of the album, Carroll never forgets how important the band’s fans are in the grand scheme of things. “I am continuously reminded every day that it’s not about me or the band – it’s all about the fans. Many of you have become my good friends via social media, and I’m continuously grateful for your support. You bought the albums and the T-shirts and came to the shows, and I’m grateful for that. Thanks again…follow Jesus!”
As far as how Whitecross’s brand of metal fits in with modern-day acts, the guitarist also shared his thoughts. “I follow the muse in my own head. I hear new sounds on the radio, but the songs are still the same as they always were. And by that, I mean new bands pop up on the radio – the sounds are fresh, but it’s the same three chords and it’s the same boy-meets-girl lyrics. Modern sounds and modern production techniques are great, and we have taken full advantage of them on our new album. From a technical standpoint, I believe ‘Fear No Evil’ is the BEST album I’ve ever been involved with. Love the songs, still pushing myself on the guitar, love the sonic blast from Anthony Focx, love the fans, love my band, love all of it.”
And lastly, what are the band’s future plans? “Continue to love God, love people, love the band, love the gigs, love to shred until they lay me in the ground in a guitar-shaped casket.”
“FEAR NO EVIL” TRACKLISTING:
The Way We Rock 4:04
Lion of Judah 5:05
Jackhammer 1:19
Man in the Mirror 4:42
Blind Man 4:54
Fear No Evil 4:48
29,000 4:11
Saints of Hollywood 3:44
Vendetta 4:40
Wishing Well 5:11
Further On 2:05
CONFIRMED TOUR DATES:
Friday, March 22nd, 2024 Whitecross FEAR NO EVIL – ALBUM RELEASE EVENT 6pm FREEDOM CHURCH 905 McKnight Rd, Indiana, PA 15701
Saturday, March 23, 2024 Whitecross with Petra’s Best for Last Tour 6pm Grace Baptist Church 3480 Laurel Rd Brunswick, OH 44212
Saturday, July 13, 2024 Whitecross Crown of Thorns Festival 2024 4:30pm Pioneer Park 301 Parkhill Dr Billings, MT 59101
Friday, August 16, 2024 Whitecross SoulFest 2024 7:30pm Franklin County Fairgrounds 89 Wisdom Way Greenfield, MA 01301
Friday, August 30, 2024 Whitecross IMMORTAL FEST 2024 – PART II 5:30pm BMI Event Center 791 E Main St Versailles, OH 45380
Jeff Fabb has made his name in ground-breaking heavy metal bands such as Black Label Society, , In This Moment, Sixx:A.M., and Filter, Jeff decided to pioneer his own sound with his debut album released in November of last year with “Stealing Souls”, which held his first radio single “You’re Complete.”
Jeff released another new single in February of this year called “Hell in the Hallway” which is currently being played on radio stations such as 94.3 The Shark, 90.1 WUSB. HITH is also currently being added to Spotify playlists.
Jeff’s next single “See No Evil” is a refreshingly upbeat and infectious tune that highlights Fabb’s artistry in a whole new way and will be on March 8th.
“See No Evil” means sometimes it can feel like no one wants to help you, everyone is passing you by. It feels like you’ll never finish what you’ve started…, but sometimes slow and steady will get you where you wanna be.” –Jeff Fabb
“See No Evil” combines the best of Jeff Fabb – his booming vocals, poetic lyrics, a catchy melody, and of course, his masterfully powerful and precise drumming. This track is an example of what Fabb is truly capable of, and showcases many of his varied artistic influences, such as Alice In Chains, Soundgarden, and Led Zeppelin. Fabb’s true genius is in his ability to layer textures reminiscent of the styles of great artists of the past, while incorporating modern touches and his own unique flair.
Highly respected drummer and multi-instrumentalist Jeff Fabb found his path in heavy metal and hard rock scenes, with his “claim to fame” in drumming for iconic rock bands such as In This Moment, Filter, and Sixx AM, and Black Label Society.
Starting his drumming career at the ripe age of 11, Jeff Fabb has a long history of music that’s followed him throughout his whole life. Beginning his journey growing up in Long Island, Fabb played in various bands throughout high school and eventually formed the band Tripface.
After spending much of his early career on the East Coast, Fabb moved to L.A. in 1998, to dive head-first into the music scene of Silver Lake. From there, he contributed to many esteemed bands in the rock and metal circles, always known for shaping the sound of each group he is a part of with his masterful drumming techniques.
COVID was a big catalyst for wanting to pursue his solo project, and he worked tirelessly to release his heavily anticipated solo album “Stealing Souls” in 2023. His debut album is highly regarded for combining a booming voice with slamming guitar and drums to create an album full of textures such as hard rock, rock, metal, grunge, and alternative rock. With slower tracks like “As the Wind Blows”, Fabb tunes into his more classic influences, and tunes into his harder rock influences with “Reaper”.
With influences ranging from Alice In Chains, Mad Season, Soundgarden, Black Sabbath, and Tool, to Led Zeppelin, Fabb creates a unique sound reminiscent of many great names in rock, while adding his own unique flair to everything he creates.
His diverse musical capabilities have allowed him to succeed in the rock and metal communities, making him a highly respected, and multi-faceted artist.
NEVER OBEY AGAIN have released a visualizer video for “Take Care Of You”, seventh single taken from the debut album “The End Of An Era” released in September 2023 by Scarlet Records.
video by Alessandro Tuvo
“The End Of An Era” has been released in the following formats:
digipack CD
digital
Never Obey Again is a female-fronted 5-piece project from Italy that blends heavy sounds and modern electronic elements to create fascinating sound scenarios.
“The End Of An Era” combines dramatic and introspective melodies, heavy precise riffs and layers of electronic landscapes which create the perfect scenario to welcome the powerful voice of charismatic frontwoman Carolina.
The Never Obey Again debut album represents the purest and deepest needing of an artistic expression of five experienced musicians who found their own space in this piece of work; the record felt like it was created by itself as every little idea fell perfectly into place at first attempt.
The main goal of “The End Of An Era” is dragging the listeners into experiencing the song and allowing them to wear the lyrics and the atmosphere of every single track on their own skin”
artwork by Alessandro Tuvo & Alex Pedrotti
“The End Of An Era” tracklist:
The End Of An Era
The Storm
Toxic Feelings
Take Care Of You
Stronger
Wake Up
Underdog
What If
9:45
Zombie (The Cranberries cover)
Never Obey Again: Carolina Bertelegni – vocals Alessandro Tuvo – guitar Alex Pedrotti – guitar Cristiano Trappoli – bass Matteo Malchiodi – batteria
THE ROCK ALCHEMIST – Italian Rock Band from Turin with a strong sonic identity that blends modern rock with progressive, hard, alternative, and pop elements!
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
